42 U.S. Code § 16273 - Advanced fuel cycle initiative

The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, shall conduct an advanced fuel recycling technology research, development, and demonstration program (referred to in this section as the “program”) to evaluate proliferation-resistant fuel recycling and transmutation technologies that minimize environmental and public health and safety impacts as an alternative to aqueous reprocessing technologies deployed as of August 8, 2005, in support of evaluation of alternative national strategies for spent nuclear fuel and the Generation IV advanced reactor concepts.

(b) Annual review

The program shall be subject to annual review by the Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee of the Department or other independent entity, as appropriate.

(c) International cooperation

In carrying out the program, the Secretary is encouraged to seek opportunities to enhance the progress of the program through international cooperation.

(d) Reports

The Secretary shall submit, as part of the annual budget submission of the Department, a report on the activities of the program.